NORTH KOREA Who is threatening who?. “ Why of course the people don't want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when.

NORTH KOREANORTH KOREA

Who is threatening who?Who is threatening who?

““Why of course the people don't want war. Why Why of course the people don't want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally the come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally the common people don't want war: neither in Russia, common people don't want war: neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.”same in any country.”

Herman Goering, Germany, Herman Goering, Germany, 1930's1930's

IntroductionIntroduction

• In Europe and the US dozens of surveys have In Europe and the US dozens of surveys have been conducted, revealing a clear rise of anti-been conducted, revealing a clear rise of anti-Americanism.Americanism.

• November 5, 2003, EU survey was conducted all November 5, 2003, EU survey was conducted all over Europe, revealing that most Europeans over Europe, revealing that most Europeans believe that the most dangerous country to world believe that the most dangerous country to world peace is Israel, followed by USA in second place. peace is Israel, followed by USA in second place.

• Recent Surveys by British newspaper “The Recent Surveys by British newspaper “The Guardian”, in addition to a Canadian, a Mexican, Guardian”, in addition to a Canadian, a Mexican, and an Israeli newspaper, have shown on and an Israeli newspaper, have shown on November 3November 3rdrd, 2006, that George W. Bush is , 2006, that George W. Bush is considered the most dangerous world leader.considered the most dangerous world leader.

Introduction (continued)Introduction (continued)

• This survey was conducted in Seoul. It This survey was conducted in Seoul. It included the opinions of 244 South Korean included the opinions of 244 South Korean high school students (16 to 18 year olds).high school students (16 to 18 year olds).

• Survey was taken one week after Kim Jung-il Survey was taken one week after Kim Jung-il successfully tested his first nuclear bomb in successfully tested his first nuclear bomb in October 9, 2006.October 9, 2006.

• South Korea’s government system is run by South Korea’s government system is run by two major parties just like the US. One is two major parties just like the US. One is center-left (DLP); the other is right wing (GNP, center-left (DLP); the other is right wing (GNP, Uri, DP)Uri, DP)

• Keep in mind that communism or extreme left Keep in mind that communism or extreme left are considered treasonous to most S. Koreans.are considered treasonous to most S. Koreans.

Method and DatesMethod and Dates

• Survey questions were presented on paper that Survey questions were presented on paper that was distributed to South Korean high school was distributed to South Korean high school students (10students (10thth, 11, 11thth, and 12, and 12thth grades) during grades) during their after-school study hourstheir after-school study hours

• Survey sheets were first distributed on October Survey sheets were first distributed on October 16, 2006. Last sheet was collected on 16, 2006. Last sheet was collected on November 7, 2006. North Korea’s first November 7, 2006. North Korea’s first successful nuclear test took place on October successful nuclear test took place on October 9, 20069, 2006

• Note: Survey sheets remained namelessNote: Survey sheets remained nameless

Survey Questions (1)Survey Questions (1)

1. 1. By using numbers (1-14), put the By using numbers (1-14), put the following countries in order, following countries in order, starting with the most dangerous (most starting with the most dangerous (most threatening) to world peace: threatening) to world peace: Afghanistan, China, England, France, Afghanistan, China, England, France, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, North Iraq, Iran, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, North Korea, Russia, South Korea, USA, Korea, Russia, South Korea, USA, VenezuelaVenezuela

Note: The following charts excluded the Note: The following charts excluded the countries that were not chosen or had a countries that were not chosen or had a percentage of less than 1% percentage of less than 1%

Most Dangerous (Threatening) Country to World Peace

5%3%

10%

1%

3%

29%

47%

2%

Afghanistan

China

Iraq

Iran

Israel

Japan

N. Korea

USA


The following slides will show the The following slides will show the answer to that same first question, answer to that same first question, but now the participants’ answers but now the participants’ answers are divided into:are divided into:

1.1. Left wing and left to center Left wing and left to center

2.2. Center Center

3.3. Right wing and right to centerRight wing and right to center

Most Dangerous Country to World Peace (Left Wing Opinion)

7%

4%

7%

2%

2%

4%

22%

52%

Afghanistan

China

Iraq

Iran

Israel

Japan

N. Korea

USA

Most Dangerous Country to World Peace (Center Opinion)

4% 2%

10%

2%

2%

2%

25%

53%

Afghanistan

China

Iraq

Iran

Israel

Japan

N. Korea

USA

Most Dangerous Country to World Peace (Right Wing Opinion)

5%3%

11%

5%

2%

42%

32%

0% (Iran)Afghanistan

China

Iraq

Iran

Israel

Japan

N. Korea

USA

Survey Questions (1)Survey Questions (1)Also from the first question, the following Also from the first question, the following

charts will show the survey responses charts will show the survey responses regarding the 2regarding the 2ndnd, 3, 3rdrd, and 4, and 4thth most most dangerous countries to world peacedangerous countries to world peace

As one can see, North Korea and USA are As one can see, North Korea and USA are centers of focus for most South Koreanscenters of focus for most South Koreans

Another interesting figure is Israel. It rated Another interesting figure is Israel. It rated higher than expected considering the higher than expected considering the geographical distancegeographical distance

Keep in mind that the answers to 2Keep in mind that the answers to 2ndnd, 3, 3rdrd, , and 4and 4thth most dangerous countries were most dangerous countries were dependent on the answer given to the 1dependent on the answer given to the 1stst most dangerous country, and on each most dangerous country, and on each other consecutively.other consecutively.

2nd Most Dangerous Country

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Afghanistan China Iraq Iran Israel Japan Lebanon N. Korea Russia USA

3rd Most Dangerous Country

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40


Series1

4th Most Dangerous Country

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40



2. Put a circle around the countries 2. Put a circle around the countries that you believe have nuclear that you believe have nuclear weaponsweapons

The purpose of this question was to The purpose of this question was to function as an indicator to show function as an indicator to show what South Korean young adults what South Korean young adults know about the political worldknow about the political world

Nuclear Club Members

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

China England France Iran Israel Japan N. Korea Russia USA Pakistan India Other

Per

cen

tag

e


3. Do you want USA to use military to 3. Do you want USA to use military to attack North Korea?attack North Korea?

A) YesA) YesB) NoB) NoC) Either Way is OKC) Either Way is OK

Do you want USA to use military to attack North Korea?

11%

82%

7%

Yes

No

Either way


Regarding the future of the Korean Regarding the future of the Korean Peninsula…Peninsula…

4. Do you want North Korea and South Korea 4. Do you want North Korea and South Korea to: to: A) Unite PeacefullyA) Unite PeacefullyB) Unite Through WarB) Unite Through WarC) Stay the Same (Two Countries)C) Stay the Same (Two Countries)D) I Don’t CareD) I Don’t Care

Do you want N. Korea and S. Korea to ...

67%

5%

22%

6%

Unite Peacefully

Unite through war

Stay 2 countries

I don’t care


5. When do you think all American soldiers 5. When do you think all American soldiers should withdraw from South Korea?should withdraw from South Korea?

A) NowA) NowB) Less Than One YearB) Less Than One YearC) Between 1 and 5 YearsC) Between 1 and 5 YearsD) Between 5 and 10 YearsD) Between 5 and 10 YearsE) Between 10 and 20 YearsE) Between 10 and 20 YearsF) Between 20 and 30 YearsF) Between 20 and 30 YearsG) More Than 30 YearsG) More Than 30 YearsH) Never H) Never

When do you think all American soldiers should withdraw from S. Korea

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1

nu

mb

er o

f p

arti

cip

ants

Now

less than 1 year

between 1 and 5

between 5 and 10

between 10 and 20

between 20 and 30

more than 30

never


6. 6. If there is a war between Japan If there is a war between Japan and North Korea, which will you and North Korea, which will you support?support?

A) Japan A) Japan B) North Korea B) North Korea C) Both C) Both D) Neither D) Neither

If there is a war between Japan and N. Korea, who would you support?

7%

39%

3%

51%

Japan

N. Korea

Both

Neither


7. If 7. If there is a war between USA and there is a war between USA and North Korea, which will you support?North Korea, which will you support?

A) USA A) USA B) North Korea B) North Korea C) Both C) Both D) Neither D) Neither

If there was a war between US and N. Korea, who would you support?

23%

22%

6%

49%

USA

N. Korea

Both

Neither


The purpose of this question was to indirectly The purpose of this question was to indirectly divide the survey participants into political divide the survey participants into political affiliations. affiliations.

8. 8. In your opinion, what kind of government In your opinion, what kind of government should South Korea have? should South Korea have? (You can choose more than one option)(You can choose more than one option)

A) Christian A) Christian B) Right Wing B) Right Wing C) Left Wing C) Left Wing D) Center D) Center E) Secular E) Secular F) Other: _____________ F) Other: _____________

What kind of government should South Korea have?

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1

Government Characteristics

Per

cen

tag

e

Christian

Right Wing

Left Wing

Center

Secular

Other

Respondents’ Comments (1)Respondents’ Comments (1)The survey sheets provided an optional section for comments. Here is a representative The survey sheets provided an optional section for comments. Here is a representative

sample from the survey participants:sample from the survey participants:

• ““I think you [the American surveyor] may not fully recognize (sympathize with) I think you [the American surveyor] may not fully recognize (sympathize with) Korea’s attitude and Koreans’ minds. It’s just because Koreans are one blood, one Korea’s attitude and Koreans’ minds. It’s just because Koreans are one blood, one ethnicity, born in the same cradle. Although North Korea is now threatening the ethnicity, born in the same cradle. Although North Korea is now threatening the world, it’s the last resistance to USA oppression. If anyone were North Korea, they world, it’s the last resistance to USA oppression. If anyone were North Korea, they would do the same thing. We should not threaten North Korea but “understand” their would do the same thing. We should not threaten North Korea but “understand” their situation with conversation and compromise.”situation with conversation and compromise.”

• ““South Korea and North Korea are family. I love my country: Korea”South Korea and North Korea are family. I love my country: Korea”• ““I like Korea. North Korea is our family, but we can’t start anything to unite Korea I like Korea. North Korea is our family, but we can’t start anything to unite Korea

without force.”without force.”• ““South Korea must have nuclear weapons, too.”South Korea must have nuclear weapons, too.”• ““We must prevent other countries from having nuclear weapons, e.g. Japan, etc.”We must prevent other countries from having nuclear weapons, e.g. Japan, etc.”• ““Too difficult and complicated.”Too difficult and complicated.”• ““Questions were too hard to answer.”Questions were too hard to answer.”• ““I want world peace. No war”I want world peace. No war”• ““No war! Peace!”No war! Peace!”• ““I want peace”I want peace”• ““Peace!”Peace!”• ““No war”No war”

Continued on next slide Continued on next slide ……

Respondents’ Comments (2)Respondents’ Comments (2)

• ““In these days, North Korea claims that they have nuclear bombs. Other countries In these days, North Korea claims that they have nuclear bombs. Other countries are afraid of that news and even say ‘attack them’. If that happens, the country that are afraid of that news and even say ‘attack them’. If that happens, the country that will suffer the worst will be South Korea. I think there are two ways to solve this will suffer the worst will be South Korea. I think there are two ways to solve this problem: First, all countries give up nuclear bombs. Second, all countries develop problem: First, all countries give up nuclear bombs. Second, all countries develop nuclear bombs. It seems that the second plan is going to be easier and if that nuclear bombs. It seems that the second plan is going to be easier and if that happens, earth will be destroyed.”happens, earth will be destroyed.”

• ““We (only a few students lately) learned about the Korean war in history class. Why We (only a few students lately) learned about the Korean war in history class. Why did US and Soviet Union divide Korea! I feel angry about that. Anyway, thanks for did US and Soviet Union divide Korea! I feel angry about that. Anyway, thanks for making many students think about these topics.”making many students think about these topics.”

• ““I want peace”I want peace”• ““I want all countries to solve this problem peacefully.”I want all countries to solve this problem peacefully.”• ““George Bush is the most dangerous man in the world. Fuck George Bush”George Bush is the most dangerous man in the world. Fuck George Bush”• ““I think most high school students have monolithic thoughts about national issues. I think most high school students have monolithic thoughts about national issues.

Most of their thoughts come from their parents or family.”Most of their thoughts come from their parents or family.”• ““The world needs the most powerful country that could control the world well. USA The world needs the most powerful country that could control the world well. USA

should be more ethical.”should be more ethical.”• ““I don’t like war.”I don’t like war.”• ““Fuck Kim Jung Il!”Fuck Kim Jung Il!”• ““USA should stop the war! And Fucking Bush must go back to his monkey bush USA should stop the war! And Fucking Bush must go back to his monkey bush

(woods)! USA is just a gangster country that threatens South Korea, but South (woods)! USA is just a gangster country that threatens South Korea, but South Koreans don’t know or can’t express dissatisfaction. We are just under attack! It is Koreans don’t know or can’t express dissatisfaction. We are just under attack! It is silent attack!”silent attack!”

ObjectionsObjections

1.1. Some may find the results of this survey irrelevant because of the age Some may find the results of this survey irrelevant because of the age group (16-18), i.e. excluding old people and veterans from the Korean group (16-18), i.e. excluding old people and veterans from the Korean War in 1950-1953. But the truth is, the surveyed group are the future of War in 1950-1953. But the truth is, the surveyed group are the future of South Korea, and it is their opinion that counts the most.South Korea, and it is their opinion that counts the most.

2.2. The South Korean young adults may not know much about world events, The South Korean young adults may not know much about world events, history, and politics. A very few of them actually made that note on their history, and politics. A very few of them actually made that note on their survey sheets. That’s why their answers were contrasted to answers survey sheets. That’s why their answers were contrasted to answers given by a small random selection of Adult South Koreans, ages ranging given by a small random selection of Adult South Koreans, ages ranging from 30 to 50. There was a high correlation between the two samples.from 30 to 50. There was a high correlation between the two samples.

3.3. Some may claim that South Koreans at this young age will have opinions Some may claim that South Koreans at this young age will have opinions that are highly affected by their parents. But that’s not an objection at that are highly affected by their parents. But that’s not an objection at all. If this was proven to be true, then it actually makes the survey all. If this was proven to be true, then it actually makes the survey results even more reliable, and would cancel off the second objection results even more reliable, and would cancel off the second objection above.above.

4.4. The sample size of 244 young adults is not large enough. Nevertheless, The sample size of 244 young adults is not large enough. Nevertheless, the sample size will never be large enough to provide conclusive results.the sample size will never be large enough to provide conclusive results.

Problems & LimitationsProblems & Limitations

• It’s important to note that all surveys suffer from problems It’s important to note that all surveys suffer from problems and limitations that make the results unreliable. That being and limitations that make the results unreliable. That being said, one remaining true benefit is that the results of this said, one remaining true benefit is that the results of this survey will cancel the contradictory results provided by survey will cancel the contradictory results provided by other surveys. In other words, one cannot claim or conclude other surveys. In other words, one cannot claim or conclude that the truth is opposite to the survey’s results.that the truth is opposite to the survey’s results.

• These problems and limitations include:These problems and limitations include:– The formulation of the questions is biased to the American surveyor, The formulation of the questions is biased to the American surveyor,

plus the survey questions were in English, and the young adults knew plus the survey questions were in English, and the young adults knew that the survey was prepared by a foreigner (especially American)that the survey was prepared by a foreigner (especially American)

– The respondent may change his/her opinion any hour of the day for The respondent may change his/her opinion any hour of the day for thousands of reasonsthousands of reasons

– Some respondents may lie or answer questions randomly because they Some respondents may lie or answer questions randomly because they simply do not take the survey seriously. So it is only assumed that the simply do not take the survey seriously. So it is only assumed that the majority of the respondents were seriousmajority of the respondents were serious

ConclusionConclusion

• In spite of its many holes, this survey shows that the In spite of its many holes, this survey shows that the majority of the young generation of South Koreans:majority of the young generation of South Koreans:– View USA as the most dangerous country to world peaceView USA as the most dangerous country to world peace– Do not support a US military strike on N. KoreaDo not support a US military strike on N. Korea– Want the two Koreas to unite peacefullyWant the two Koreas to unite peacefully– Want all US soldiers to leave Korea between 1 and 20 yearsWant all US soldiers to leave Korea between 1 and 20 years– Are generally against war, and desire world peaceAre generally against war, and desire world peace

• Many of these results are contrary to what American Many of these results are contrary to what American and South Korean media in all forms reveal on their and South Korean media in all forms reveal on their daily programs or issues, further proving that they daily programs or issues, further proving that they are biased towards the American agendaare biased towards the American agenda

• OdayOdayNovember 8, 2006November 8, 2006Seoul, Republic of Korea Seoul, Republic of Korea

NORTH KOREA Who is threatening who?. “ Why of course the people don't want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when.

Documents

eu survey

dangerous country

dates survey questions

dangerous world leader

us dozens of surveys

th grades

extreme left

british newspaper